We know what Brett Eldredge did this past summer. He was in New York recording more Christmas music. Though the reports at the time were vague, leaving open the possibility of an entirely new album, what we're getting is an expanded ("Deluxe") edition of 2016's "Glow". As with Gwen Stefani's Deluxe Christmas set, Eldredge added 5 new tracks for "Glow (Deluxe)", all covers in his case. The new songs are sprinkled throughout the album and appear in blue in the track list above.

Though Brett is a Country star, "Glow" was done in a more Rat Pack Big Band vocal style. The new tracks follow in that tradition. Brett even went so far as to hire the same musicians and record in the same studio, in order to maintain the feel on the newly recorded songs.

Now let's do some math. I hate the new math. The original "Glow" was 11 tracks. The Target exclusive was 14 tracks. Add 5 tracks and you get....18 tracks? Well, it seems Brett kept "O Holy Night" and the second version of "The First Noel" and ditched "Blue Christmas". Truthfully "Blue Christmas" didn't fit anyway (too Country). But then "O Holy Night" doesn't really fit either (too Country). Ooh, boy. I hate the new math. At least he didn't claim the two Target tracks were "new".

Pre-orders for "Glow (Deluxe)" will be available October 12 for the album which officially drops on October 26. There is, as of this writing, no mention of any vinyl for this release.

"I've been inspired for this record from a very young age," said Eldredge. "I dreamt of the day I could record all these classic songs that I've loved since I was a little kid. I recorded those classics in New York City and tried to give a tip of the hat to the ones that came before me - Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Ray Charles - by adding that swing and that soul to the best of my ability. When it came to actually recording, I wanted to live in the experience. We hung Christmas lights in the studio in the middle of May and had musicians from the best bands in the world all in the same room - from horns to strings. Everyone was so inspired to make this classic record. I think it really shows in the songs and I can't wait for people to hear that magic we found."

The album was recorded at the legendary Avatar Studios in New York which has hosted many iconic artists including Bob Dylan, Tony Bennett, Bruce Springsteen, John Lennon, Billy Joel, Iggy Pop, Madonna and David Bowie. Produced by Rob Mounsey (Elton John, James Taylor, Idina Menzel, Michael Bublé) and Jay Newland (Etta James, Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Eric Clapton), it will feature many of your favorite Christmas standards, plus an original titled "Glow."

PREviews

I don't know about you, but I want to see that cover art and I want to see that track list before I make my Christmas music purchasing decisions. The earlier the better. That's what we try to do for you here. We'll also try to give you a little background on the artist(s), in case they're new to you.